Social Distancing Rules In South Korea Extended To Two Weeks As COVID-19 Cases Still Rise

by Serena Martinez / Mar 13, 2021 04:47 AM EST

Although the vaccine has been rolled out in the country recently, South Korea Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said that he would extend the country's social distancing rules for two additional weeks. This is because COVID-19 cases are still rising for three consecutive weeks.

A recent report confirmed that cases still remain in the 300 to 400 brackets, which is why the government had to implement the necessary restrictions to flatten the curve. There is a record of 488 additional cases in the country on Friday, March 12.

Level 2 social distancing rules will still be implemented until March 28 in Greater Seoul, including the Gyeonggi and Incheon Province. Level 1.5 social distancing rules are still maintained in the rest of the country. Ban of private gatherings of more than five people is implemented. The general public is encouraged to inform authorities immediately if they have seen individuals violate the health and safety protocols.

In a press briefing on Friday, Health Ministry official Yoon Tae-ho stated that cluster infections continue to be reported in indoor athlete facilities, industrial sites, hospitals, and family gatherings.

South Korea has ten additional COVID-19 related deaths, currently at 1,662. Patients that are reported as critical for COVID-19 still remain at 127. As of Thursday, 64,065 COVID-19 tests were done, down from 67,848 that was done on Wednesday.

Government officials are currently working on a new four-tier social distancing system by the end of the month. However, health authorities are hesitant about this implementation as this new system will only be done after the COVID-19 cases in the country decrease.

Those who plan to travel to South Korea coming from countries with massive positive cases of COVID-19 must submit a negative polymerase chain reaction test result upon arrival, or they will not be allowed to enter the country. The public is reminded to follow the social distancing protocols and stay at home.